Johnnie Notions

18th-century Shetland folk healer

Johnnie Notions was a renowned 18th-century folk healer from Shetland, Scotland, known for his innovative treatment of smallpox. His real name was John Williamson, but he was widely known by his nickname, "Johnnie Notions."

Early Life

Johnnie Notions was born in the early 18th century in Shetland, a group of islands located in the Northern Isles of Scotland. Little is known about his early life, but he was a native of the island of Yell, one of the larger islands in the Shetland archipelago.

Career as a Folk Healer

Johnnie Notions gained fame for his work as a folk healer, particularly for his treatment of smallpox, a highly contagious and deadly disease at the time. Unlike the conventional methods of variolation used in the 18th century, which involved the use of live smallpox virus, Notions developed his own method that reportedly did not involve the use of live virus.

Johnnie Notions' house on the island of Yell

His treatment was said to be highly effective, and he is credited with saving many lives in Shetland. Notions' method was based on a secret recipe that he kept to himself, and it was never documented in medical literature. Despite this, his reputation as a healer spread throughout the islands, and he was highly respected by the local community.

Legacy

Johnnie Notions' legacy as a healer is still remembered in Shetland today. His innovative approach to treating smallpox without the use of live virus was ahead of its time and contributed to the health and well-being of the Shetland population during his lifetime.

His house on the island of Yell has become a site of historical interest, attracting visitors who are curious about his life and work. The house is a testament to his enduring legacy and the impact he had on the community.

Related Pages

• Shetland
• Smallpox
• Variolation
• Folk medicine